I doubt very seriously if you have the faintest idea of what you are agreeing with 100%

Yes I am interested in ones own words on who is agreeing with what, why. It will help the discussion.

I also read the bible alone, and look for historical and poitical context as well as culural histories. Makes it a great read.

There are life lesons I have gleamed from the writings over time. One source of many. For me, all the lessons from any source remain the same.

Love with every breath, compassion is everything. Treat othere with the above. Communicate/talk and share something every day. Take risks. Learn and grow and teach. repeat as often as breathing and be prepared to hold your breath!

This message is every where. Seen and unseen. Who agrees and or disagrees and why?

And what does this have to do with chistianity and marriage between 2 consenting adults? Those 2 Institutions are not going to fall apart just because a couple that are gay and christian want to marry. What does this have to do with any consenting adults to pair bond legally?

In other words you pick and choose what's relevant in your Bible and you choose to ignore a great deal of it because it's been "outdated" and God's promises are apparently on a timer and need updating... or maybe the term should be "patching" due to the days we live in.

The dwarves of yore made mighty spells, While hammers fell like ringing bells In places deep, where dark things sleep, In hollow halls beneath the fells.

For ancient king and elvish lord There many a gloaming golden hoard They shaped and wrought, and light they caught To hide in gems on hilt of sword. - J.R.R. Tolkien

In other words you pick and choose what's relevant in your Bible and you choose to ignore a great deal of it because it's been "outdated" and God's promises are apparently on a timer and need updating... or maybe the term should be "patching" due to the days we live in.

Also pick and choose how I practice living.

Some things work for me, raising my family and being a foodie. These chosen practices come with some rules and ethics. Some from society/law and some because I have my own ROC.

I choose to not be a crhristian because I find that path inauthentic for me. I would have to lie ,cheat, steal and kill, and divorce just to get started trying! And then ask some very old man that is very dead to forgive me? And believe it!

No personal responsibility there.

No marriage either. I can't honestly say to anyone " I promise...forever..."

I do not want to marry my partner. We have a "marriage" between us, designed by us for us.

No we do not get all the property rights straight people and some gay ones get with that paper.

I would like to be equal, at this rate it is economically less expensive for me to be less than.

Love with every breath, compassion is everything. Treat othere with the above.

My early religious upbringing, my life experience, and my further Bible and religious study have led me to believe this is the heart of the matter. The rest is just commentary.

I think Christianity has become a religion. It should be a way of life.

How terribly Jewish of you, RE.

That is interesting, I already knew this about being Jewish, it is the same, or at least very similar, being Pagan, It is a way of life, it is breathing. not just some thought a particular day of the week. Interesting. Nice interesting.

A tyrant must put on the appearance of uncommon devotion to religion. Subjects are less apprehensive of illegal treatment from a ruler whom they consider god-fearing and pious. On the other hand, they do less easily move against him, believing that he has the gods on his side. AristotleNever discourage anyone...who continually makes progress, no matter how slow. Plato.."A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives" Jackie Robinson

Love with every breath, compassion is everything. Treat othere with the above.

My early religious upbringing, my life experience, and my further Bible and religious study have led me to believe this is the heart of the matter. The rest is just commentary.

I think Christianity has become a religion. It should be a way of life.

How terribly Jewish of you, RE.

That is interesting, I already knew this about being Jewish, it is the same, or at least very similar, being Pagan, It is a way of life, it is breathing. not just some thought a particular day of the week. Interesting. Nice interesting.

I was particularly struck by RE's comment about "the rest being commentary". Other than religious fanatacism and over zealous maniacs, I think RE, myself and you would have a lot in common in faith, Maine. I agree, it's very fascinating.

The dwarves of yore made mighty spells, While hammers fell like ringing bells In places deep, where dark things sleep, In hollow halls beneath the fells.

For ancient king and elvish lord There many a gloaming golden hoard They shaped and wrought, and light they caught To hide in gems on hilt of sword. - J.R.R. Tolkien

I was particularly struck by RE's comment about "the rest being commentary". Other than religious fanatacism and over zealous maniacs, I think RE, myself and you would have a lot in common in faith, Maine. I agree, it's very fascinating.

Hillel the Elder: Talmud (Shabbit 31a)

"The right of voting for representatives is the primary right by which other rights are protected. To take away this right is to reduce a man to slavery, for slavery consists in being subject to the will of another, and he that has not a vote in the election of representatives is in this case." Thomas Paine: Dissertation on First Principles of Government (July 1795)

I was particularly struck by RE's comment about "the rest being commentary". Other than religious fanatacism and over zealous maniacs, I think RE, myself and you would have a lot in common in faith, Maine. I agree, it's very fascinating.

Hillel the Elder: Talmud (Shabbit 31a)

Exactly. Thanks Tpaine.

The dwarves of yore made mighty spells, While hammers fell like ringing bells In places deep, where dark things sleep, In hollow halls beneath the fells.

For ancient king and elvish lord There many a gloaming golden hoard They shaped and wrought, and light they caught To hide in gems on hilt of sword. - J.R.R. Tolkien